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Forests cannot be used for non-forestry purposes, including agriculture: Supreme Court
Bench upholds appeal filed by Karnataka government against Gandhi Jeevan Collective Farming Cooperative Society, which wanted extension of lease on 134 acres of forest, which had been illegally granted to them for cultivation
Watch: Pregnant woman killed in suspected honour attack in Karnataka
A 19-year-old pregnant woman was brutally attacked in Inam Veerapur village, Karnataka, in a suspected honour killing, days after returning to her village following an inter-caste marriage. Her husband and in-laws were also injured.
BJP concerned as its leaders make hate speech, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has defended his government's proposed hate speech law. He stated the BJP opposes it because its leaders engage in hate speech. The bill aims to control increasing instances of hate speech and promote peace. The BJP fears the law could be used against opposition leaders. The bill has passed both houses and awaits the Governor's assent.
BJP slams Sonia Gandhi over her article accusing Centre of bulldozing MGNREGA
NEW DELHI: A day after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the VBGRAMG Bill, turning it into a law, the Bharatiya Janata Party launched a sharp attack on Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi over her recent article criticising the changes. Gandhi had accused the Modi government of bulldozing MGNREGA, a charge the BJP strongly rejected. Amit Malviya, national head of the BJPs Information and Technology wing, responded with a detailed rebuttal on X, describing Sonia Gandhis article as 'a flight of political fancy'. He wrote, Sonia Gandhis recent article on MGNREGA reads less like a serious engagement with law or data and more like a flight of political fancy. According to Malviya, the article showed that she had not read the VBG RAM-G Act, as her arguments were based on mischaracterisations, selective memory, and outright falsehoods. In his post, Malviya accused Gandhi of romanticising the origins of MGNREGA by claiming it emerged from widespread consultation. This is far from the truth. MGNREGA was conceived and driven by the National Advisory Councilan unelected executive body that functioned, in effect, as a super-cabinet. So dominant was its role, that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was frequently derided as a super cabinet secretary under Sonia Gandhis NAC. Contradicting her claim that demand-based employment was being dismantled, Malviya said the legal guarantee remained intact. Sonia Gandhi claims that demand-based employment is being dismantled, thereby destroying the employment guarantee itself. The facts say otherwise. The legal right to employment remains untouched. What has changed is the budgeting frameworkfrom an open-ended, reactive model to a norm-based system, which is how virtually all government schemes function. Has the Modi Government Bulldozed MGNREGA? Or Repaired It? Sonia Gandhis recent article on MGNREGA reads less like a serious engagement with law or data and more like a flight of political fancy. It is evident that she has not read the VBG RAM G Act, because her arguments pic.twitter.com/ffyUAhmS5M Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 22, 2025 Defending the new law, he added, Far from weakening the guarantee, employment has been strengthened from 100 days to 125 days. In FY 202425, planned allocations closely tracked actual demand, demonstrating that disciplined planning works. Rejecting Gandhis assertion that MGNREGA continues to be the backbone of rural survival and that the new law would suppress rural wages, Malviya argued that rural India had evolved. This ignores how rural India has changed. While MGNREGA did play a role in alleviating distress, it has not kept pace with todays rural realities. NABARD and MPCE data show that 80% of rural households report higher consumption, 42.2% report higher incomes, and 58.3% now rely exclusively on formal credit. He maintained that MGNREGA now acts as a safety net rather than the centrepiece of rural livelihoods. He further challenged Gandhis warning that the poorest would be abandoned under the revised framework. The claim that the poorest will be abandoned if the old framework changes is equally misleading. Rural poverty has fallen sharplyfrom 25.7% to 4.86%. MSME credit has tripled since 2014, enabling self-employment and non-farm livelihoods. Public policy cannot be frozen in the conditions of 2005 when India has demonstrably moved forward, he said. On the allegation that the Centre was shifting the financial burden to states by moving from a 90:10 to a 60:40 funding model, Malviya called the claim incorrect. Demolition of MGNREGA to have catastrophic consequences: Sonia Gandhi This, too, is false. MGNREGA was never funded at 90% by the Centre in practice. States already bear 25% of material costs, major administrative expenses, and 100% of unemployment allowanceoften without predictability or transparency. The new model simply formalises and rationalises funding, making states equal partners rather than passive implementers of top-down mandates. Malviya also addressed concerns over a 60-day work restriction, saying it had been misrepresented. He noted that Gandhi portrayed it as an attack on year-round employment, but argued that it was flexible and state-notified. In reality, this period is aggregated, flexible, and state-notifiednot a blanket ban. It protects agricultural operations during sowing and harvest, prevents labour shortages, allows workers to earn higher seasonal farm wages, and still expands the overall employment guarantee to 125 days. He emphasised that decentralisation remained central to the new framework. Under the VBG RAM G Act, all works originate from Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans approved by Gram Sabhas. What is being dismantled is fragmentation and opacitynot decentralisation. Launching a direct attack on Gandhi, Malviya accused her of ignoring long-standing problems within MGNREGA. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh announces public agitation campaign to repeal abolition of MGNREGA What Sonia Gandhi pointedly ignores are the systemic failures that plagued MGNREGA for years: Rs 193.67 crore misappropriated in 202425 alone, with recovery of barely 5.32%; fake works existing only on paper; machinery replacing labour; and digital attendance systems bypassed across 23 states. These are not minor lapsesthey are deep structural flaws. He went on to claim that reforms under the Modi government had produced tangible improvements. Between FY 201314 and FY 202526, womens participation rose from 48% to 56.74%; Aadhaar-seeded active workers increased from 76 lakh to 12.11 crore; workers on APBS grew from zero to 11.93 crore; geo-tagged assets expanded from none to over 6.44 crore; and e-payments surged from 37% to 99.99% Malviya asserted. The bottom line is clear. This is not demolitionit is overdue repair. The real choice is not between compassion and reform, but between paper guarantees that under-deliver and a modern framework that actually works. VBG RAM G is not a retreat from social protection; it is renewal and expansion for a changing India. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge claims VB-G RAM G act undermines MGNREGA's rights-based framework
K Gowtham retires from all forms of cricket
Gowtham, 37, finishes with 394 wickets across formats for Karnataka in a domestic career that spanned for nearly 14 years
Rahul Gandhi will decide on leadership, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in counter to Kharge
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted Rahul Gandhi will decide on the state's leadership, countering AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge's call for local resolution. Kharge expressed displeasure over being drawn into the issue, calling it a 'local creation.' Discussions on leadership change resurfaced after recent meetings between Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
Karnataka all-rounder K. Gowtham announces retirement
An off-spinner and attacking batter, Gowtham featured in 59 First Class and 68 List A games for Karnataka
Karnataka: Third accused held for passing sensitive Indian Navy information to Pakistan
Police investigations have revealed that Hitendra had allegedly provided SIM cards to the other two accused in the case in exchange for money. The two accused arrested earlier have been remanded to judicial custody. Police are questioning Hitendra in view of the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter.
Former IPL star Gowtham retires from all forms of cricket at 37
Karnataka all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham has retired from all forms of cricket after a 14-year career. Known for power-hitting and off-spin, he took over 320 domestic wickets, played one T20I for India, and featured for several IPL teams. His standout moment came with a stunning all-round show in the 2019 Karnataka Premier League.
Krishnappa Gowtham Retires From All Forms Of Cricket
Karnataka State Cricket Association: Former India all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham has called time on his professional cricket career, announcing his retirement from all formats on Monday. The 37-year-old shared the news at a special press conference held at the KSCA Media Lounge, attended by Karnataka State Cricket Association president Venkatesh Prasad, vice-president Sujith Somasundar, and secretary Santosh Menon. Gowtham featured once for India at the international level, making his lone ODI appearance against Sri Lanka on July 23, 2021. His only international wicket came in that match, when he dismissed wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka. He rose to prominence in the Indian Premier League when he became the most expensive uncapped Indian player at the IPL 2021 auction, after being snapped up by Chennai Super Kings for INR 9.25 crore. That record later changed hands, first with Avesh Khan and more recently with Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Across his IPL career, Gowtham has turned out for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. His final appearance in the league came in May 2024, representing Lucknow Super Giants against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 36 IPL matches, the spin-bowling all-rounder scored 247 runs at a strike rate of 166.90, while also taking 21 wickets at an economy rate of 8.24. Beyond the IPL, he enjoyed solid returns in domestic cricket, finishing with 737 runs and 116 wickets from 32 first-class games. In List A cricket, he scored 400 runs and claimed 51 wickets in 32 matches, while his T20 career saw him amass 454 runs and take 32 wickets across 49 appearances. Across his IPL career, Gowtham has turned out for Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. His final appearance in the league came in May 2024, representing Lucknow Super Giants against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gowtham also represented India A on multiple occasions and came close to earning further international caps in other formats. Known for his resilience and fierce competitiveness, he carved out a career built on grit and determination, leaving behind a reputation as a cricketer who consistently punched above his weight against elite opposition. Article Source: IANS
Ishan Kishan Named Captain As Jharkhand Announce Squad For Vijay Hazare Trophy
Jharkhand Squad For Vijay Hazare: India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been named captain of Jharkhand for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite (VHT) 2025/26, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) confirmed. The domestic 50-over tournament begins on December 24, with Jharkhand set to open their campaign against Karnataka in Ahmedabad. The squad announced for the season features a mix of experience and youth, including Kumar Kushagra, Anukul Roy, Robin Minz, Abhinav Sharan and Virat Singh, as Jharkhand look to build on recent success in white-ball cricket. Kishans appointment follows a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 season, where he led Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title. The wicketkeeper-batter was in outstanding form throughout the tournament, amassing 517 runs from 10 innings at an average of 57.44, with two hundreds and two half-centuries to his name. His defining moment came in the final against Haryana, where he struck a commanding 101 to guide his side to the championship. That run of performances has also earned Kishan a recall to the Indian squad for the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026. He has been included as the teams second-choice wicketkeeper-batter, behind Sanju Samson, marking a return to the national setup on the back of sustained domestic excellence. Kishans appointment follows a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 season, where he led Jharkhand to their maiden SMAT title. The wicketkeeper-batter was in outstanding form throughout the tournament, amassing 517 runs from 10 innings at an average of 57.44, with two hundreds and two half-centuries to his name. His defining moment came in the final against Haryana, where he struck a commanding 101 to guide his side to the championship. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jharkhand Squad For Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26: Ishan Kishan (WK & captain), Virat Singh, Utkarsh Singh, Kumar Kushagra (WK & vice-captain), Robin Minz, Anukul Roy, Sharandeep Singh, Shikhar Mohan, Pankaj Kumar (WK), Bala Krishna, Md Kounain Quraishi, Shubh Sharma, Amit Kumar, Manishi, Abhinav Sharan, Sushant Mishra, Vikash Singh, Saurabh Shekhar, Rajandeep Singh, Shubham Singh. Article Source: IANS
Karnataka To Auction Unused Liquor Licenses, Likely To Earn Rs 1,000 Crore
Siddaramaiah had proposed the transparent e-auction system in the 2025-26 budget presented on March 7, as part of efforts to mobilise additional resources for the state.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot press briefing in Karnataka | LIVE
A national research centre and board for areca needed: expert
The leaf spot, a fungal infection, had hit the areca growers of the Malnad region very hard
ED raids 21 premises in multiple States in Karnatakas crypto fraud case
The searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in the case registered against 4th Bloc Consultants and other accused
Karnataka: Pregnant Woman Killed in Alleged Attack By Relatives; Honour Killing Angle Probed
While resentment over her marriage is suspected to be the motive and the incident is being viewed as a possible case of honour killing, police said the matter is being probed from all angles
Leadership Issue: Rahul Gandhi, Congress high command has to decide: Siddaramaiah
The CM's statement came a day after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the confusion over the leadership issue in the party's Karnataka unit exists only at the local level and not within the party high command
Leadership issue: Rahul Gandhi, Congress high command has to decide, says Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress high command will make the final decision on any leadership changes, and all will abide by it. This follows speculation about a CM change as the government reaches its halfway mark, with Siddaramaiah asserting his commitment to the high command's decision.
VB-G RAM G act undermines MGNREGAs rights-based framework: Kharge
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday strongly criticised the Union governments VB-G RAM G act 2025 that replaced MGNREGA, claiming that changes in the new legislation weaken and undermine the previous acts core promise as a rights-based rural employment programme. In a post on social media platform X, Priyank Kharge said the act would Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Six-month pregnant woman killed over inter-caste marriage in Karnataka
Hubballi: A six-month pregnant woman died at a private hospital in Karnatakas Hubbali district, after her father and two other relatives allegedly attacked her over inter-caste marriage, police said on Monday. Manya Patil, 20, succumbed to injuries allegedly caused by a pipe and agricultural equipment on Sunday night, they said. Police have arrested three persons, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Karnataka To Auction Unused Liquor Licenses, Likely To Earn Rs 10,000 Crore
Siddaramaiah had proposed the transparent e-auction system in the 2025-26 budget presented on March 7, as part of efforts to mobilise additional resources for the state.
As part of its steadfast commitment to advancing India’s digitization mission, and further driving financial inclusion agenda, PayU, a leading fintech platform, executed a host of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in 2025. Designed to bridge the digital divide and empower underserved communities nationwide, PayU’s multi-faceted programs have directly benefited over 50,000 rural beneficiaries and over 140 women across key villages in states like Maharashtra, etc. and about 450 students and educators in India since 2024. To drive this mission forward, PayU partnered with the key organizations including partnerships with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), NeevJivan NGO, etc. PayU conducted engaging sessions on cybersecurity for students in partnership with DSCI’s Cyber for Youth Program " PayU's commitment to social impact goes beyond financial inclusion – we're building digitally safe and economically empowered communities from the ground up ," said Richa Mukherjee, Senior Director – Corporate Affairs and Public Policy . " These programs represent our belief that technology and entrepreneurship can transform lives. When we see rural students mastering cybersecurity concepts or women launching sustainable businesses, we're creating lasting change that supports the Digital India mission ." Pioneering Digital Safety Education In partnership with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) for its Cyber for Youth Program, PayU revolutionized cybersecurity education in rural Karnataka. Through engaging activities such as interactive quizzes, poster competitions, and live demonstrations conducted in local languages, covering critical topics including cyberbullying prevention, social media safety, and digital payment fraud awareness. The program's impact was validated through rigorous pre- and post-assessments, with students showing knowledge improvement rates ranging from 62.5% to 82.3% across different schools. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Sustainable Livelihood Programs By collaborating with NeevJivan NGO, PayU implemented its ‘Model Village Program’ focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in the Nashik, Dahanu, and Jawhar regions of Maharashtra. The initiative introduced sustainable livelihood projects including bee-keeping, mushroom farming, poultry farming, and vermicomposting, providing women with viable alternate income sources. The program provided comprehensive support including 30-45 days of entrepreneurship training and strategic branding assistance, with products like " Madhu " for honey and "Mastshroom" for mushrooms. The initiative successfully established 14 sustainable projects, with every participating household gaining access to new income-generating opportunities, demonstrating PayU's commitment to economic empowerment through innovation. Leadership-Driven Educational Impact PayU further strengthened its educational commitment through a strategic partnership with Teach for India. PayU's senior leaders engaged directly with over 450 students and educators through extended mentorship sessions, facilitating knowledge sharing and providing real-world insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and career development. This initiative reinforced PayU's belief in leadership-driven social change and the power of direct engagement in shaping young minds. All these initiatives build upon PayU's established track record of impactful CSR programs. Last year, the company successfully implemented two major initiatives: the Village Adoption Program under RBI's framework, which brought digital payment literacy to 5,000 beneficiaries across five villages in Uttar Pradesh under the theme ‘ Har Payment Digital ’ and the Digital Vans initiative in partnership with MeITY's CSC, which delivered financial and digital literacy training to over 50,238 citizens in remote areas around Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram. These programs demonstrate PayU's consistent commitment to bridging the digital divide and advancing financial inclusion across India's rural landscape. About PayU PayU , India's leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital financial services needs of customers (merchants, banks, and consumers). PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.
Bengaluru firm begins ground testing of electric flying taxi
The ground testing took place at the companys Bengaluru test facility
Suspected Honour Killing In Karnataka, 7-Month Pregnant Woman Who Married A Dalit Found Dead
Manya, a pregnant woman from Inam Veerapur, was murdered in an alleged honour killing by her father Patil and relatives for marrying a Dalit, sparking outrage in Hubballi
Marriage Dispute Turns Fatal In Karnataka, 20-Year-Old Woman Beaten To Death With Pipe; 3 Arrested
Police have arrested three accused in connection with the case. They have been identified as Prakash, Veeran and Arun.
RiNK Initiative by KLE CTIE at the Mundhe Banni Startup Meetup
This programme seeks to reverse talent migration by facilitating tech professionals return from metros and enabling GCCs, startups, and enterprises to scale in North Karnataka
261.43 cr. compensation credited to accounts of flood-hit farmers in Bidar
MLA urges to administer polio drops to eligible children
Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayat Lavish Ordia said that the drive began on December 21 and would continue till December 24 to ensure that all eligible children are administered polio drops compulsorily
End Confusion Before Budget: G Parameshwara Tells Congress High Command Amid Karnataka Power Tussle
The Karnataka Home Minister said all leadership-related matters should be resolved quickly to allow the government to concentrate on fulfilling promises made to the people.
Pregnant woman killed for intercaste marriage; husband, in-laws injured
In a case of reported honour killing, a pregnant young woman who had returned to the village few months after her intercaste marriage, was attacked with lethal weapons resulting in her death in the hospital. Her husband and in laws have also sustained injuries.
Scientists should take technology to farms, says Minister
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Horticulture Mela in the University of Horticulture Sciences in Bagalkot
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge claims VB-G RAM G act undermines MGNREGA's rights-based framework
BENGALURU: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday strongly criticised the Union government's VB-G RAM G Act 2025 that replaced MGNREGA, claiming that changes in the new legislation weaken and undermine the previous act's core promise as a rights-based rural employment programme. In a post on social media platform 'X', Priyank Kharge said the act would gradually make the scheme untenable by transforming it from a demand-driven legal entitlement into a supply-driven arrangement, thereby stripping citizens of their right to demand work. He observed that while the Centre would retain most decision-making powers, states would be forced to shoulder the bulk of the financial and administrative burden. Much has been spoken about the VB-G RAM G Bill . But beyond everything else, these changes will slowly make the scheme untenable and eventually kill the idea of a rights-based rural employment guarantee, Priyank Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, said in his post. The minister, who holds Rural Development, Panchayat Raj and Information Technology and Bio-technology portfolios, further contended that the proposed changes amounted to a dilution of fiscal federalism, particularly at a time when states are already facing shrinking financial resources. He pointed out that tax devolution to states had fallen from 34 per cent to 31 per cent, far below the 42 per cent recommended by the Finance Commission, even as centrally sponsored schemes were becoming increasingly restrictive. MGNREGA repealed, VB-G RAM G Bill introduced: The major differences explained Much has been spoken about the VB-G RAM G Bill. But beyond everything else, these changes will slowly make the scheme untenable and eventually kill the idea of a rights-based rural employment guarantee. By converting MGNREGA from a demand-driven entitlement into a supply-driven Priyank Kharge / (@PriyankKharge) December 22, 2025 By centralising powers and curbing local planning and decentralised governance, the act would weaken the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which grants constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions, Kharge warned. According to him, such centralisation would erode the role of local bodies that are critical to the effective implementation of MGNREGA on the ground. Questioning the Union government's rationale, the Karnataka minister asked how the legislation could be termed a reform when it failed to meaningfully strengthen the scheme for rural workers who depend on it for livelihood security. He maintained that reducing a legal right to work into what he described as a 'token centrally sponsored scheme', would defeat the very purpose of MGNREGA. Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday slammed the Centre for doing away with MGNREGA. Kharge alleged that Modi is purposely destroying that Act as he wants to make poor villagers and farm labourers slaves of rich people. Therefore, we fought for the retention of the original MGNREGA and whatever provisions are there (in the original Act) should be retained. I condemn the new Act. It is only helping the government, the Congress chief said. The parliament, on December 18, passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G Bill) and President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday gave her assent to the bill and made it an act. This act replaces the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and guarantees 125 days of rural wage employment every year. Rahul Gandhi slams VB-G RAM G Bill as anti-village, says Modi Govt destroyed 20 years of MGNREGA
Karnataka Man Beats To Death Pregnant Teen Daughter For Inter-Caste Marriage
A 19-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly killed by her father over marrying a man from another caste despite strong opposition from the family in Karnataka's Hubballi.
Ambedkar built the Constitution based on Buddhist values, says SC judge
Our Constitution is praised around the world, according to Supreme Court judge Prasanna Varale
Pregnant Woman Beaten To Death By Father In Karnataka Over Inter-Caste Marriage
Police say the woman was brutally attacked with a pipe, while her husband was also assaulted. Family members who tried to intervene were reportedly beaten as well.
Karnataka honour killing: 20-year-old thrashed to death in front of in-laws in Dharwad; 3 arrested
A 20-year-old woman, Manya Patil, has died from injuries sustained in an alleged honour killing in Dharwad. Three individuals, identified as Prakash, Veeran, and Arun, have been arrested for the assault, which reportedly involved a pipe. Manya's mother-in-law, father-in-law, and sister also suffered injuries during the incident. Investigations are continuing.
Bengaluru gets mobile wildlife ambulance for animal emergencies
BENGALURU: A dedicated mobile wildlife ambulance was launched in Bengaluru on Sunday to strengthen emergency response for injured and displaced animals in and around the city. The ambulance was flagged off by former Indian cricketer and Karnatakas Forest and Wildlife Ambassador Anil Kumble. The service will operate in coordination with the forest department and aims to respond to wildlife emergencies reported from urban areas and the citys periphery, where incidents of humananimal interaction have increased in recent years. Bengaluru is home to diverse wildlife, including birds, reptiles and mammals, many of which are affected by habitat loss, road accidents and construction activity. Launched through a partnership between AI-native automotive platform company Tekion and Praana Animal Foundation, the ambulance is equipped to handle a wide range of rescue situations, from migratory birds and reptiles, including snakes, to monkeys and small mammals. It is also designed to assist in high-risk operations involving larger animals such as leopards, gaurs and sloth bears that occasionally stray into residential areas. The vehicle will be staffed by a trained para-veterinarian and fitted with essential rescue and medical equipment to provide immediate on-site care and ensure safe transportation. A 24x7 helpline has been set up to enable citizens to report wildlife emergencies. Officials said rescued animals will be shifted to recognised facilities such as Bannerghatta Biological Park or the Birds of Paradise Rehabilitation Centre for treatment and rehabilitation. The initiative is expected to augment the existing wildlife rescue infrastructure and support the forest departments efforts in managing urban wildlife cases more efficiently. Srinivasulu, Principal Secretary, Department of Ecology & Environment, attended the event.
Suburban Rail: Bengaluru's lost mobility decade with hope of recovery
BENGALURU: The journey from the heart of the city at KSR Bengaluru Railway station to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) could have taken just 60 minutes over 40 km, no honking traffic, no crawling past Hebbal or Yelahanka and no missed flights. Instead, delays in executing the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP) have denied Bengalureans this relief and pushed the citys mobility back by nearly a decade, say experts. Planned as a highcapacity alternative to congested roads, BSRP was expected to ease daily travel across the city. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) projected daily ridership of 9.84 lakh passengers by 2025, rising to 13.41 lakh by 2031 and 17.60 lakh by 2041. Today, these numbers read less like forecasts and more like reminders of opportunities lost. The project is being implemented by the Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-RIDE), a joint venture between the Karnataka government and Railway ministry. It spans 148.17 km across four corridors linking the city, suburbs, and the airport. After years of delay, there is cautious hope that the project may finally gather pace with a new full-time managing director being appointed. A city that outgrew its roads Bengalurus traffic crisis did not happen overnight. As mobility and rail expert Sanjeev Dyamannavar points out, the city began expanding rapidly from the 1980s, and growth accelerated sharply after the 1990s IT boom. Jobs multiplied, tech parks mushroomed, and suburbs stretched farther out -- Whitefield, Yelahanka, Kengeri, Yeshwanthpur and beyond. What did not keep pace was mass public transport. Roads became the default solution. Flyovers, underpasses, signal-free corridors, and later elevated roads and tunnel road proposals became the citys response to congestion. But each road-based fix only shifted bottlenecks from one junction to another. A basic suburban rail service could have been introduced much earlier with minimal investment, Dyamannavar says. Existing railway lines already crisscrossed the city and its periphery. With better timetables, additional rakes and modest infrastructure upgrades, Bengaluru could have had local trains by the early 2000s. That did not happen, he adds. Instead, the city lost a decade of mobility, he rues. By 2015, Bengaluru should have had at least hourly suburban services to Tumakuru, Bidadi, Mysuru and Bangarpet. Even that basic level was never achieved. What data tells us The tragedy of the delay becomes clearer when one looks at what the DPR and surveys revealed years ago. A household opinion survey conducted for the DPR showed overwhelming support for better public transport. About 91-96% of respondent households said they were willing to shift to a good public transport system, while only a small minority wanted to continue with their existing mode of travel. Travel patterns already showed stress on roads. In 2015, around 27% of trips were made by two-wheelers, 32% by public transport (including buses and Metro) and 7% by autos and taxis. Walk trips accounted for 26%. Average trip lengths for motorised travel ranged from 8-12 km, exactly the kind of distances suburban rail is best suited for. In simple terms, the need was clear, the demand was proven, and public willingness existed. What was missing was execution. From idea to sanction and then silence The idea of a suburban rail for Bengaluru was discussed for decades. When the project was finally sanctioned on October 21, 2020, there was optimism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in June 2022 and said a project that took 40 years to discuss would be completed in 40 months. Those 40 months ended two months ago As Rajkumar Dugar, founder of Citizens for Citizens, points out, the project has now been sanctioned for over five years, or 62 months to be precise, yet progress remains minimal. The biggest challenge has been lack of genuine interest from public representatives, he says. The Members of Parliament who represent constituencies through which the four suburban rail corridors pass have not consistently reviewed or pushed the project. In some cases, there were zero formal reviews in five years, highlights Dugar. The suburban rail rarely featured in speeches or priorities. Metro and buses did. Roads certainly did. Internal battles and lost years The delay was not just due to apathy. There were also internal conflicts. One of the most damaging episodes involved Corridor 1, which was crucial as it linked KSR Bengaluru City station to Devanahalli, says Dugar. The sanction letter clearly stated that all four corridors were to be completed by October 2026, but Corridor 1 was to be up and running by October 2023. When this became public, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) objected. At the time, the airport Metro had not yet been sanctioned. BMRCL feared that suburban rail would weaken the case for Metro funding and wrote to the state government asking that Corridor 1 be downgraded in priority, Dugar explains. The Department of Urban Land Transport (DULT) rejected this request in a detailed letter in August 2021, stating that suburban rail had stronger merits as an airport connector. That letter later surfaced through RTI. Despite this, Corridor 1 was sidelined. Corridors 2 and 4 were taken up first, without clear public explanation. This confusion cost the project at least one to two crucial years -- years Bengaluru could ill afford to lose. The project also suffered a major setback when Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the contractor for Corridors 2 and 4, withdrew, citing incomplete land handover. The issue eventually moved to court, bringing construction on key stretches to a halt. While Corridor 2 has since been re-tendered, tenders are yet to be called for Corridor 4, further stretching delays. Ironically, station construction has continued under separate contracts even as track work remains stalled, raising concerns that the city could end up with stations without operational rail lines -- a scenario activists warn reflects poor coordination and the broader execution challenges facing the project. The cost of delay: Time, money and quality of life The human cost of these delays is visible every day on Bengalurus roads. Around 70,000 cars and cabs travel to and from Kempegowda International Airport daily, serving nearly 1.7 lakh people. Hebbal flyover, Mekhri Circle and Sankey Road are routinely choked, he adds. Had the suburban rail airport corridor opened by October 2023, as planned, this load would have reduced significantly. Today, it could have taken just 60 minutes to cover 40 km from the city to the airport, Dugar says. With Terminal 2 expanding and Terminal 3 planned, airport traffic will only increase. There is also the financial cost. Metro costs around Rs 500 crore per km, while suburban rail Rs 100200 crore. Every year of delay means higher construction costs, inflation and more public money spent later for the same outcome, experts say. But the biggest loss is everyday life. Long commutes drain energy, reduce productivity, worsen pollution and steal time from families. As rail activist Krishna Prasad notes, driving during peak hours whether on a two-wheeler or in a car, is exhausting. Traffic today is far worse than a decade ago, with vehicle numbers ri s ing rapidly. A turning point, at last? After years of ad hoc arrangements, a key condition was finally met in December 2025. Lakshman Singh, a railway professional, took charge as Managing Director of K-RIDE. For activists and experts, this has brought cautious hope. Krishna Prasad believes a technical MD with railway experience can make a difference. Singh has handled complex projects before, coordinated with the Indian Railways, and has a tenure of three years. That alone removes one major hurdle. But optimism is guarded. Retendering for stalled corridors must be completed quickly. Rolling stock decisions are still pending. Depots, without which trains cannot run, are yet to progress meaningfully. Experts like Dyamannavar stress the need for partial commissioning. Even opening 810 km sections can reduce congestion and rebuild public trust. The Baiyappanahal l i Chikkabanavara stretch and parts of the airport corridor could be fast-tracked. Choose execution or lose another decade According to experts, BSRP does not suffer from technical impossibility. It suffers from lack of urgency, ownership and political will. If implemented, suburban rail can still make a difference. It offers higher capacity than Metro, faster average speeds, better comfort for longer journeys, and seamless integration with the Indian Railways. It can shift thousands of commuters off roads every day. Bengaluru has already paid dearly for delay, with lost time, rising pollution, wasted fuel and frayed nerves. Whether the next few years mark a true turning point will depend on one simple question: Will the city finally choose execution over endless discussion? For a city that has already lost a decade in mobility, it cannot afford to lose another.
What is the Aland voter fraud case? | Explained
When did the Election Commission file a complaint with respect to irregularities in Form 7s from the Aland assembly constituency in Kalaburagi? Why did the investigation hit a roadblock? What loopholes within the National Voters Service Portal did the alleged fraudsters exploit?
Karnataka NEET PG 2025 round 2 seat allotment result today; steps to check online portal
The Karnataka Examinations Authority will publish the provisional Karnataka NEET PG 2025 round 2 seat allotment result today after 6 pm on its official website. The final allotment will be declared after re-running the process to include cancelled seats. KEA has also revised round 3 eligibility, allowing admitted round 2 candidates to seek upgradation. Guidelines for seat surrender and fee deductions have been detailed for candidates opting for MCC seats.
Air India has cancelled its direct San Francisco flights from Bengaluru and Mumbai starting March 1, impacting numerous passengers with existing bookings. The airline cited rising costs and airspace restrictions, opting to boost Delhi-North America services instead. Affected travellers will be re-accommodated or offered refunds, with hopes to reinstate routes if conditions improve.
Travel operators, driver unions in Bengaluru welcome Bharat Taxi pilot
BENGALURU: Travel operators and auto-cab unions have welcomed the Centres pilot rollout of the Bharat Taxi platform amid rising public anger over surge pricing, but said the initiatives success will depend on market response rather than policy intent. They also flagged concerns over private players approaching the Union government to extend backend technology support, stressing that the platform must remain transparent, driver-friendly and consumer-centric. The Bharat Taxi app, currently in its testing phase, is positioned as a government-backed alternative to private aggregators accused of opaque pricing and inconsistent service practises. The model has revived debate over whether publicly run or cooperative mobility systems can withstand the operational agility, technology maturity and capital-driven expansion that other aggregator platforms command. Past attempts by state governments to run similar services struggled to sustain themselves in a competitive mobility market where consumer behaviour and tech upgrades often determine survival. While frameworks such as the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Competition Act exist, regulators continue to face hurdles in addressing digital-market malpractices. K Radhakrishna Holla, president of Karnataka State Travel Operators Association, said the Centres intent to support micro-entrepreneurs and small vehicle owners is welcome, but the eventual outcome hinges on how the market adopts the app. We must wait and see how the model evolves, he said. Tanveer Pasha, president of the Ola and Uber Drivers Association, said the cooperative nature of the platform must be evaluated closely once launched. If it becomes just another commercial app with high charges, then what is the cooperative structure? Who runs it? he said. Pasha also warned against allowing private entities to take over backend functions, alleging that earlier welfare assurances from them never materialised. Manjunath, president of Adarsha Auto Union, said the model resembles large cooperatives, where profits are partly returned to members. He said a transparent, meter-based system with minimal service charges and annual refunds could help drivers earn with dignity and fair fares for consumers while giving reliable mobility data.
Karnataka: Former students perform Haveri teacher's tulabhara in blood, books
Former students honored their beloved English teacher, PR Math, by performing a unique tulabhara ceremony. 108 ex-students donated 108 units of blood, equivalent to the 80-year-old teacher's weight, and gifted him 47kg of books. The blood was donated to a district blood bank, marking a heartfelt tribute to his 40 years of teaching.
Cashing in! UPI transactions soar as Keralas digital aspirations take flight
KOCHI: Its a digi-tell all! In a clear pivot from cash, Kerala is increasingly taking to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) figures reveal that 444.9 million UPI transactions were processed in the state in November, marking a 29.6% year-on-year increase. The value of these transactions rose 28.6% to `59,793 crore. Per capita usage climbed to 12.7 transactions a month, up from 9.8 a year earlier, indicating not just wider adoption but also more frequent use. Over the past three years, rising merchant acceptance, expanding smartphone penetration and a sustained, state-supported push towards cashless behaviour have together reshaped everyday money interactions in Kerala. The states performance mirrors a broader national surge. An NPCI-Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report released at the Global Fintech Festival 2025 highlights the scale of UPIs expansion across India. As of August, the country had 504 million unique UPI users nearly half of the adult population and close to 65 million merchants accepting UPI payments. UPI now accounts for 84% of all digital retail payments, with monthly transaction run rates 34% higher than a year ago. Within this nationwide expansion, Kerala contributes around 4% of Indias total UPI transaction volumes, placing it between ninth and eleventh nationally, depending on the month. Larger states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu continue to dominate the top tier with double-digit share of the pie. In several pockets, UPI is already the default mode. In others, adoption is rising sharply, said Indraneel Ajitkumar Pandit, executive vice-president and chief digital officer, Federal Bank. Kerala stands out for its exceptional engagement among senior citizens, with digital literacy among the elderly reaching near-universal levels through systematic campaigns, he added. UPI-first state ESAF Small Finance Bank executive director George K John described Kerala as a true UPI-first state, citing women-led digital participation through Kudumbashree networks, senior-citizen digital literacy initiatives and near-universal merchant QR code adoption as defining features. In urban centres such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur, UPI penetration is close to universal, especially for small-ticket payments across retail, transport, healthcare, hospitality and education. Merchant acceptance is extremely high, with even micro-merchants routinely using QR codes, he pointed out. According to Madhavankutty G, chief economist, Canara Bank, Keralas broader socio-economic profile also plays a role. It is a state with a high degree of consumerism. Banking penetration is very high, implying the number of bank accounts per capita is well above the national average, he said. High levels of urbanisation and internet penetration further support digital payments, while the large migrant workforce using UPI to send money to home states adds to transaction volumes, he added. Indraneel also pointed to the growing link between digital payments and credit growth. Studies show that business loan growth has a strong correlation with UPI adoption. Districts recording over 100% UPI growth reported a 4.2 times higher CAGR in business loans, he said. EMI collections and debt repayments through UPI have doubled over the past two years, underlining the rise of high-value and recurring transactions on the platform.
Bengaluru: Shopping for Christmas Day festival celebrations #Gallery - Social News XYZ
Bengaluru: Shopping for Christmas Day festival celebrations #Gallery Social News XYZ
Residents protest at minister Krishna Byre Gowdas house after Kogilu demolition drive in Bengaluru
Karnataka forest department may seek alternative land for every hectare alienated
Covid protocol violation cases linked to Siddaramaiah, DKS still pending
Cold wave grips Dharwad; DC issues advisory urging public caution
Revenue shortfall set to force Karnataka govt to cut budget outlay by 6%
Belagavi city bus stand becomes operational after delay
Karnataka school horror: Teachers beat special teen with belt; 4 arrested
Four individuals, including the heads of a special school in Bagalkot, were arrested following the release of a video showing a mentally challenged student being brutally assaulted. The abuse, which included beatings and chilli powder in the eyes, was secretly recorded by a former employee. Authorities have rescued the children and are investigating the unregistered institution.
Safari ban leaves jungle resorts in Karnataka struggling ahead of holiday season - Deccan Herald
Safari ban leaves jungle resorts in Karnataka struggling ahead of holiday season Deccan Herald
Truck drivers bid to flee after hitting bike sparks 15km chase in Bengaluru; 4 injured
Ktaka urges Centres intervention over Mahas excess use of Bhima river water
No relief for flyers in Bengaluru as cut in user development fee pushed to next fiscal
Bengaluru: Aussie Mavericks Kites Win World Tennis League Season 4 #Gallery - Social News XYZ
Bengaluru: Aussie Mavericks Kites Win World Tennis League Season 4 #Gallery Social News XYZ
Weed out ineligible BPL card holders - Deccan Herald
Weed out ineligible BPL card holders Deccan Herald
Anil Kumble flags off mobile wildlife ambulance in Bengaluru
BJP explores options to block Karnataka's hate speech and hate crimes (Prevention) bill
Both Houses of the legislature passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, last week and the government is expected to send it to Raj Bhavan in the next few days for the governor's assent.
Guard steals Israeli defence officers bag in Bengaluru, lands in soup
Bengaluru police visit paying guest accommodations, advise gadget safety & biometric locks
Bengaluru techie set to conquer South Americas highest peak
Karnatakas health department issues influenza norms for districts
Pulse Polio drive covers 95% in Bengaluru
No one is entirely a hero or a villain, says Shivarajkumar on sharing screenspace with actors Upendra and Raj B Shetty in 45 The Times of India
Comic Con turns Bengaluru into a pop-culture playground
The eco-conscious music fest ends on a soulful high
With Tech Surveillance, 3rd Accused In Naval Spying Case Arrested
A 34-year-old resident of Gujarat has been arrested by Karnataka's Udupi Police in connection with an investigation into leak of sensitive Indian Navy data to unauthorised foreign entities.
State leaders fuel CM change speculation, Cong high command not responsible: Kharge
Vijayanagara empire inspires nations growth: FM
Child marriage-free India campaign
Jarkiholi launches pulse polio campaign
HC Dharwad Bench rejects Rs 3k crore compensation claim for collapsed bridge
Pulse polio programme launched in Hubballi to ensure child health and development
Hate Speech Bill aimed at silencing oppn, farmers and public: Bommai
Kharge Says Local Leaders Creating Confusion In Karnataka
Mallikarjun Kharge urges Karnataka Congress leaders to resolve issues locally, saying the party is built collectively by its workers.
Karnataka Leadership Confusion Is Local, Not At High Command Level: M Kharge
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday clarified that the confusion over the leadership issue in the party's Karnataka unit exists only at the local level and not within the party high command.
Nagesh Trophy: Final League Stage Of Mens National T20 For The Blind Set For An Action-packed Start
National T20 Cricket Tournament: The final 10 group stage matches of the 8th Nagesh Trophy Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind will commence at the Railway Cricket Stadium in Hubli, Karnataka, on Monday. Group C, consisting of Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh, will be played from Monday till December 25, and the group winners will qualify directly for the Super 8 stage. Nagesh Trophy is Indias premier national-level T20 cricket tournament for visually impaired (blind) mens teams. It brings together state and union territory teams from across the country to compete in a structured T20 format under the auspices of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), with support from organisations like the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. The opening ceremony for the league stage was held at Karnataka Gujarat Bhavana at Hubli in the presence of Jagadish Shettar, Member of Parliament, Belagavi Constituency and Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Abbayya Prasad, MLA, Hubli-Dharwad-East constituency, Dr. G.K. Mahantesh, Chairman, CABI and Founder & Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust, and Udaya Kumar, Trustee, Samarthanam Trust. Welcoming the participating teams to Hubli, Jagadish Shettar, MP, extended his best wishes to all the players for the tournament. He said that the entire country has now become aware of cricket for the blind following the historic victory of the Indian womens team, and expressed hope that this success would further increase awareness and support among the general public. He also thanked the Honble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honouring the womens team and for showing strong support towards the growth of cricket for the blind. The dignitary later joined all the participating teams for a group photograph. Abbayya Prasad, MLA, congratulated CABI and Samarthanam Trust for their remarkable achievements in creating awareness and empowering persons with visual impairments to dream big and pursue their goals with confidence. Highlighting the larger impact of sports, he said that while sports teach individuals to accept defeat on the field, they also prepare them to win the bigger battles of life. Describing sports as a powerful tool for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, he applauded the consistent efforts of CABI and Samarthanam Trust in enabling inclusion, confidence, and excellence through sports. The eighth edition of the tournament had 29 teams in the fray, which were placed in six groups with a total of 56 league matches. The winners of Groups A, B, C, and D qualified directly for the Super 8 stage. The next two places in the Super 8 stage will be decided on Net Run Rate. The winners of Groups E and F will play against the 7th and 8th-placed teams from all the teams of Groups A to D in the eliminators, and the winners of those two matches will complete the Super 8 stage. Abbayya Prasad, MLA, congratulated CABI and Samarthanam Trust for their remarkable achievements in creating awareness and empowering persons with visual impairments to dream big and pursue their goals with confidence. Highlighting the larger impact of sports, he said that while sports teach individuals to accept defeat on the field, they also prepare them to win the bigger battles of life. Describing sports as a powerful tool for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, he applauded the consistent efforts of CABI and Samarthanam Trust in enabling inclusion, confidence, and excellence through sports. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Nagesh Trophy is named in honour of the late S. P. Nagesh, founder president of CABI and a champion for blind cricket development in India. The first edition of the tournament was held in 201819, and has continued annually with increasing participation and competitiveness. Teams from multiple states and union territories compete each year in round-robin league matches followed by knockouts and finals. Andhra Pradesh are the defending champion of the tournament, winning the title by beating Delhi in the finals last year. Article Source: IANS
Demand for Kittur Karnataka Development Board grows louder
Karnataka notifies auction of 569 liquor vends in January to raise resources
State hopes to raise between 600 crore and 1,000 crore through the e-auction announced by Chief Minister in the 2025-2026 Budget
Congress targeting BJP through Karnataka-style hate law: Ramchander Rao
Minister urges Maharashtra MP to stop raking up border issue
Kannada and Marathi speakers are living like brothers in Karnataka, says H.K. Patil
Karnataka NEET PG counselling 2025 round 2 provisional seat allotment results are coming tomorrow, December 22, 2025, after 6 pm. The final allotment will be on December 24, 2025. Candidates accepting MCC seats must surrender KEA seats by December 23. Round 3 eligibility is now revised for upgradation. Check cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea/ for updates.
'Confusion at state level': Mallikarjun Kharge on Karnataka CM row; defends Cong high command
BJP exploring options to block hate speech law in Karnataka, while Telangana plans its own
Karnataka's BJP is strategizing to prevent the new hate speech bill from becoming law, fearing it could be used against opposition leaders. Senior lawmakers plan to petition the Governor and explore legal avenues, citing judicial precedents.
Build Expo-2025 to be held in Dharwad from Dec 26
Bengaluru get ambulance for urban wildlife
Former cricketer Anil Kumble launched an ambulance dedicated to urban wildlife in Bengaluru, a joint initiative by Tekion and Praana Animal Foundation. This service aims to enhance emergency response for animals affected by the city's growth and human-animal conflict, providing immediate care and safe transport for various species.
